I need to create my own handwritten font. I have to design all the letters is the first.

To begin, I’ll have to design my alphabet. I’ll use Illustrator to do that work! Once all the letters drawn, how do I set it up and use it like any other font?

Here starts my unknown path.

The second part is to be able to edit and use my drawing like any other font. The idea is to be able to switch from Arial or any different home-made font. I have to convert my work in an .otf file to be free to use it easily on my computer.

I had done a fast research on the internet before I came across an interesting article. It was about a tool called Fontself Maker. This plug-in, added to Illustrator or Photoshop, can convert a handmade alphabet in a font. Just what I needed!

The idea of installing an extension on Illustrator able to converting my scribble easily into a usable font seduce me. It’s just what I was looking for! This is why in a blink, the plug-in was in my basket. And a few minutes later, I was installing it on my computer. Good news, so far so good!

Try to handle the tool before using it for real.

I immediately wanted to do a test and go through all the process of creation. I quickly built a font with the paint brush on Illustrator. The idea was just to handle the tool, no needs to create a master piece.

Here is my quick alphabet scribbled with a brush for this test. I did it on a useful grid provided by Fontself Maker. This allowed me to keep a little consistency with the letter’s tall and width. I did this freehand to test the plug-in, there’s no attempt at precision in my example.

The purpose of this exercise is to go through the entire process.

It was easy. Frankly, explanations are crystal clear. I just followed the steps provided and voila! It’s done, I’ve been able to create my own handwritten font.

Simple and effective. If you have to work on something similar, I recommend it.

I’m looking forward to labouring more projects with this plug-in. To produce a nice work will take its time, but I hope to show a few related designs soon. ^^